expansion, 1815-1860

underground railroad and abolitionism
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Underground Railroad Discussion Questions

Describe the extent of the color line in Ohio in the early 1800s. How free were African Americans in Ohio? What jobs were available to them? 
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Evaluate the contributions of African Americans in Columbus to the work of the Underground Railroad. Why was their work especially dangerous? What risks did they take? Why would some people take these risks? 
Clintonville Underground Railroad Discussion Questions

Explain how the geography of the Clintonville (and Ohio) contributed to its role on the Underground Railroad. What major route ran through Columbus?

Evaluate the Fugitive Slave Law and resistance to it. Why did the law come about? Laws are supposed to protect citizens’ rights, provide benefits, and assign responsibilities. Did the Fugitive Slave Law meet these criteria? How did the division within Jason Bull’s congregation on the issue of assisting fugitive slaves reflect differing views on this law? 

​Why is it difficult for historians to document and verify participation in the Underground Railroad?
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Abolitionism and the Civil War Discussion Questions
​Explain general attitude of Worthington residents towards slavery and African Americans? How did Worthington residents demonstrate their attitude toward slavery? In what larger historical movement were some residents participating?

Why would it be unusual to see African-American students among their white peers in schools in early 19th century Ohio? What does the inclusion of African-American students in schools in Worthington tell us about the type of community it was?

​What was General Roswell Ripley’s significance in the Civil War? Why would it be surprising that Ripley was from Worthington?

Expansion and Growth
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Early Settlements and Growth Discussion Questions 

Explain the significance of the location of North Columbus. What was the area like around 1803? How was it impacted by stagecoach transportation? 

Analyze the significance of the Morrill Act and the development of the Ohio State University on shaping North Columbus and the University District.
Railroad Service Comes to Columbus Discussion Questions

Analyze the significance of railroads in Columbus. What was the economic impact of railroads? How did the physical appearance of the city change? How did the railroad contribute to the development of new industries? How does railroad development in Columbus mirror the effects of railroads nationwide?
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Immigration and the National Road Discussion Questions

How did transportation systems and expansion contribute to the population growth of Columbus?

How do the immigration patterns in Columbus reflect broader national trends in immigration? What were some of the reasons immigrants settled in Columbus, especially the present-day German Village area? How did German immigration contribute to the culture of Columbus? What German influences can be observed in Columbus to this day? How does the phrase “Money grows on trees in America” relate to immigration?